Power and telecommunications access vending machine

ABSTRACT

A vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access is disclosed. A customer interested in using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. The central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also controlled by the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector. The central control unit provides information on the progress of the vending transaction to the customer via the user interface. The central control unit determines when the transaction is completed by sensing the cessation of usage via the usage detection circuit or via customer action at the user interface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/594,028 filed on Jun. 15, 2000, currently now U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,169penermr, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/156,487 filed Sep. 18, 1998, now abandoned, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 08/796,562 filed Feb. 6, 1997, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,812,643.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the vending of electricity,telecommunications and/or other utilities in public or semi-publicplaces. More specifically, this invention relates to the operation ofcomputers and other electrical and electronic devices while travelingaway from home.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In this era of communications, individuals are increasingly dependent ona variety of electronic devices to receive and send information. Thisdependency has resulted in a large number of battery-operated deviceswhich allow an individual to stay in touch while traveling. A majorlimitation in the operation of these devices is battery life. Toovercome this limitation, many of these devices can operate on andrecharge from an AC power line. However, AC power for this purpose isnot readily available in most public and semi-public places includingairports, bus terminals, convention centers and restaurants.

Portable computers have become indispensable communications tools thatare used to send and receive voice, fax, email and video messages fromand to almost any point in the world. These devices access a variety ofcommunication networks via wired, wireless or fiber telecommunicationschannels. However, computer compatible access to telecommunicationschannels is also not readily available in public and semi-public places.

Malaspina (U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,784) addresses the battery life issue andtries to solve it by vending recharged batteries. This proposed solutionto the problem is complicated by the shapes, sizes, and electricalcharacteristics of the many batteries on the market.

A more general solution to the problem is found in those parking meterswhich provide AC power for an engine block heater or battery charger.Wilkinson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,565) defines a combination meter that canallocate a payment between an electricity account and a parking spaceaccount automatically based upon whether electricity is being used ornot. However, his invention is fundamentally a parking meter and he doesnot provide for vending power without the parking space. Further, thereis no protection from the weather as it was not contemplated that theelectricity would be useful for another purpose. Furthermore, while thisinvention does provide for credit card payments, it does not provide fora telecommunications link for payment or other information.

Ng et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,957) defines a microprocessor-basedparking meter without any power vending capability or ability to acceptcredit card payments. This invention includes a wireless communicationsinterface for communications between the microprocessor and an externaldevice. Like Wilkinson, Ng is based upon the concept of renting aparking space. The communications interface is intended to connect to aportable computer that is used to change rates within the meter.

Other combination meters have been defined for the purpose of chargingelectric vehicles. These meters require specific means for connecting tothe vehicle, specific means of charging the vehicle's batteries and/orspecific means for measuring/metering the power consumed. Mostimportantly, these combination meters rent space for a vehicle so thatthe fee charged is for parking space rental and for electricity.Additionally, none of these meters is designed to operate a computer.

Some vending machines have also been defined for the purpose of chargingelectric vehicles. Like the combination meters, these vending machinesrequire specific means for connecting to the vehicle, specific means forcharging the vehicle's batteries, and/or specific means formeasuring/metering the power consumed. Most importantly, these machinesincorporate battery charging circuitry and are only capable of chargingcar batteries, not operating customer equipment such as computers.

Some telecommunications channels that are accessible in public placesmay come with a communications instrument such as a payphone, payfacsimile or pay TV. Some of these payphones used in conjunction with atelecommunications channel have an RJ11 receptacle that is intended toconnect special accessories for the physically impaired and which mightbe able to be used for a computer connection. However, these payphoneinstallations do not provide AC power to operate an accessory or acomputer and are limited to providing access to the telephone networkline connected to the payphone. These payphones cannot and do notprovide fiber, cable or other types of communications channel access.Further these payphones that do accept credit cards as a means ofpayment still require the central office to process the transactionbefore the phone can be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide access to electrical power, atelecommunications channel or channels and/or other utilities orservices for a fee. The customer determines the method of payment, thelength of time of access and which of the utilities or services toutilize. The fee is based upon the length of time of access and whichutilities or services are accessed.

This invention provides access to one or more utilities after thecustomer provides payment in electronic form (e.g. credit card, debitcard, smart card, or other forms of electronic or magnetic currencydevices) or, optionally, currency. Alternatively, no physical paymentmethod is required, and payment is carried out through software that ispresent in the user's laptop or other device. In still another option,payment is not made during the transaction, and the user is identifiedthrough some type of authentication. These can include RF ID cards,hotel keys, ID cards, software or anatomical characteristics such asfingerprint, voiceprint or retinal pattern identification. The customerselects which utilities or services they require, typically by justconnecting to the appropriate connector (also know as outlet,receptacle, or plug) either through physical means or through wirelessconnections such as infrared. The transaction then begins when some formof payment or user identification is received. The transaction ends whenthe customer disconnects from all of the connectors or otherwiseindicates that the customer is finished. The microprocessor controls thevending process and records the transaction information in retentivememory.

This microprocessor also communicates with the customer via a userinterface to provide details on the progress of the transaction. Theuser interface is not particularly limited and need not even include avisual display on the vending machine. Periodically, this microprocessoris called by a central computer system over a telecommunication channeland may be requested to call back to the central computer. This vendingdevice then calls the central computer and transfers all transactiondata, machine status and related information to the central computer.After the data has been transferred to the central computer, the centralcomputer can download any new data, such as new rates, to the vendingdevice. This device does not need to know the rates in effect unless itis accepting payment in currency form or from pre-paid electronic cardsor pre-paid laptop software (i.e. “e-money”). In fact, using thesoftware forms of payment such as billing through an Internet serviceprovider (hereinafter “ISP”) or using software “currency”, no physicalpayment method need be included in the vending machine. The centralcomputer summarizes the data and processes the payment information andschedules technicians to visit those units that require maintenance orhave full coin/currency boxes.

When this invention is used to vend power, the power may come from aninternal power source (such as a battery) or one or more external powersources. The type of power source is not limited to 120 VAC, 60 Hzpower. For example, the unit may obtain power from a different powersource and change it to 120 VAC for a traveler. Examples of differentlocal power sources include 220 VAC, 50 Hz and 100 VAC, 50 Hz. The unitmay have a local power source connector on it as well for thosecustomers who have equipment that can utilize the local power source.The power may also pass through a noise and surge protection circuitbefore it is provided to the customer's equipment. Where more than onepower source is available, the customers select the source they requireby plugging their equipment into the appropriate connector.

Vending telecommunications channel access includes providing access tothe high speed data channels that are emerging for computer use as wellas the typical telephone networks and cellular lines. These varioustelecommunications channels, which include ISDN, T1, T3, cable, SONET,xDSL, broadband, baseband and other channels, have not previously beenavailable for a fee in public and semi-public locations.

The vending machine with a high speed data line can be used to providecustomers with voice communication capabilities via the Internet orother voice over data networks. These so-called “Internet phones” canuse data lines to call anywhere in the world and bypass the traditionaltelephone system (plain old telephone system, hereinafter POTS) which isoften more expensive than Internet connections. The vending machinecould have an Internet compatible, telephone style handset or othermicrophone/speaker setup for an Internet phone.

Similarly, the vending machine could use high-speed data lines and videocameras to provide customers with video phone capability via theInternet or other data networks so that the person on the other end cansee as well as hear the caller.

Current payphones require central office support to enable a transaction(call). This invention allows the transaction regardless of thecapabilities of the central office. In some alternative embodiments ofthe invention, more than one An telecommunications channel will beavailable to the customer. In such a case, the customer will normallychoose the required channel by plugging the equipment into theappropriate connector or by connecting through infrared or otherwireless connection. One example of a wireless connector is an armoredfiber optic cable that could be permanently attached to the unit. At theother end is a large mechanical clip. The armored fiber optic wouldenter into the back of the clip. The user who had a notebook computerwith an IR port would place the clip on the notebook so it is graspingthe top and bottom of the notebook. In this arrangement, the end of thearmored fiber optic cable is aimed directly into the IR port of thelaptop.

Another object of this invention is to provide a secure area, such as astorage locker, in which a customer can leave their electronic andelectrical devices. While the devices are in this secure area, they canrecharge their batteries and/or perform autonomous operations such asupload and download messages. In this case, the invention canincorporate a storage locker or other structure with a locking cover.

Another object of this invention is portability. Using an internal powersource and wireless telecommunications channels, this invention is notlimited to a fixed location. In this configuration, the invention couldbe used at fairs, outdoor concerts and similar sites where permanentinstallations are not cost effective. In these cases, it might be morecost effective to have one control unit operating multiple vendingmachines. These multiple vending machines may be arranged in the form ofa kiosk to allow multiple customers access to the vending machine at thesame time. Similarly, almost any combination of functional components ofthe vending machine could be moved to a location remote from themachine. This could be accomplished, for example, by networking acluster of machines to a server either on site or at a remote location.

The invention is envisioned to have, but not limited to, the followingapplications:

Vending electric power at airports and other public places for anyelectrical device including, but not limited to, computers, cell phones,pagers and vehicles;

Vending telecommunications channel access at airports and other publicplaces for any communications device including portable computers andspecial telecommunications devices for the physically impaired;

Vending the combination of power and telecommunications access onboardmoving vehicles such as ships, airplanes and buses;

Vending power, communications and other utilities at rental properties,public playgrounds and camp sites;

Vending telecommunications access and electricity or other fuel tovehicles where communications is also useful for vehicle diagnostics orcustomer communications while re-fueling or while parked;

Vending power and optionally telecommunications access to electronicequipment locked in storage lockers to allow batteries to rechargeand/or to allow autonomous operations such as upload and downloadmessages while the customer is otherwise occupied.

Vending power and other utilities to building operations to facilitateand monitor cleaning or other repair and maintenance activities.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings wherein preferred embodiments of theinvention have been selected for exemplification and from the individualfeatures and relationships of the respective appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the present invention willbe clearly understood from the following description with respect to apreferred embodiment thereof when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals have beenused to denote the same or similar parts or elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present inventionfor vending both power and telecommunications channel access.

FIG. 2 is a simplified front view of a vending machine operating panelbased upon the vending machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the presentinvention for vending power only.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the present inventionfor vending telecommunications channel access only.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention configured in a telephone booth style structure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention configured in a kiosk structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention configured as a storage locker.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main program loop within the power andtelecommunications vending machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the program element that supports the transferof transaction information to the central computer system.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a free standing kiosk showing multiplevending machines.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a kiosk designed for placement againsta wall.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the invention withoptionally attached components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this specification concludes with claims defining the features onthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of apower and telecommunications vending machine 100 for vending power andtelecommunications channel access is illustrated. In this vendingmachine, a microprocessor-based central control unit 106 controls thestate of a switchable power circuit 104 and a switchabletelecommunications channel access circuit 120. The switchable powercircuit 104 switches power on and off at the power connector 108. Theswitchable power circuit 104 receives input power from an externalsource that has been processed by the noise and surge protection circuit102. Alternatively, no switchable power circuit is necessary, and theunit always remains in the “on” position.

Similarly, the switchable telecommunications channel access circuit 120switches the telecommunications channel on and off at thetelecommunications channel access connector 122. The switchabletelecommunications channel access circuit 120 provides access to anexternal telecommunications channel that is protected by the noise andsurge protection circuit 118.

A vending transaction starts when a customer provides payment at thepayment processing unit 114 and connects to the power connector 108and/or the telecommunications channel access connector 122.Alternatively, no payment mechanism is required, and the vendingtransaction starts when a customer is identified. Once identified, theuser can be billed at a later date. Or, the identification is used asadditional security for use in conjunction with electronic or magneticpayment cards or software e-money. Once attached and initiated, thecustomer can monitor the state of the vending machine and thetransaction via the user interface 110. The user interface may be avisual display or some other type of progress indicator such as anauditory signal. For example, the vending machine could instruct orinform the user via an audio speaker. Alternatively, the user interfacecan be present inside or uploaded to the user's laptop or other devicethereby obviating the need for an interface within the vending machineunit. Similarly, the use of a card access system which prevents usage byejecting the user's card would also obviate the need for a visual oraural interface.

The transaction ends when the customer disconnects from the powerconnector 108 and the telecommunications channel access connector 122 orwireless connector (not shown). In a further embodiment, the connectordoes not employ copper wires. In this case, a light pipe (i.e. fiberoptic cable connector) would be used to connect the user to the vendingmachine. The central control unit 106 can detect that the customer hasdisconnected from the power connector 108 when power usage detectioncircuit 112 senses that power usage has dropped to zero. The centralcontrol unit 106 uses a telecommunications access circuit 116 (such as amodem) to determine when the telecommunications channel is no longer inuse. Payment information and transaction length information are retainedin retentive memory within the central control unit 106. This memoryretains the data in the event of a power failure.

Periodically, a central computer calls the vending machine 100 over theexternal telecommunications channel. If the telecommunications channelis not busy, the central control unit 106 answers the call using themodem 116 and hangs up to prevent unauthorized access. After hanging up,the central control unit 106 uses the modem 116 to call a pre-programmednumber for the central computer and then transfers all transaction andpayment information in retentive memory to the central computer.

The fee charged for the transaction is a function of the convenience ofthe vending machine 100 and the length of time that the customer usesthe machine, not on how much power is consumed. As a result, metering ofpower is not necessary.

In this preferred embodiment, the payment processing unit 114 can acceptpayment in currency, coin or electronic form. The electronic formsinclude, but are not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, smart cardsand pre-paid cards or software payment (i.e. “e-money”) in which paymentis downloaded to the user's laptop and then uploaded to the vendingmachine. Modifications to this embodiment can include devices that onlysupport electronic forms of payment and still other devices that onlysupport currency/coin payment. Alternatively, the payment step can besubstituted with an authentication step whereby once the user isverified through some form of authentication the vending can proceed.

The modem 116 is only available to and used by the central control unit106. In a modification of this embodiment, the modem 116 can also bemade available to the customer. For this modification, an extraconnector is present that allows the customer to connect from theirserial, parallel or other I/O port to the modem 116. This extraconnection can also allow high speed communications without forcing thecustomer to invest in their own expensive or bulky external modem. Inthis embodiment, the user first calls the central control unit. Thecentral control unit then calls an ISP in the area that services theparticular unit. The ISP then sets up the connection to the unit. Thelines may be high bandwidth data lines that are not “dial up” lines butwhich are set up in advance. In one embodiment, the user has a highspeed modem in their laptop, and the vending machine simply gateways theuser's modem's signal. In another embodiment, the user uses a high speedmodem in the vending machine which gateways those signals to highbandwidth lines.

It is possible also to have two separate telecommunications linesconnected to a device. One line can be dedicated to the vending deviceand the other line can be dedicated to the customer. Or, a single linecan be shared between multiple terminals. This is particularly feasiblewhen sharing a high bandwidth data line. The high bandwidth line will bebrought into the server, and it will be electronically shared with thevarious vending terminals. It is possible to provide more than one typeof telecommunications channel to the device. These types include, butare not limited to T1, ISDN, xDSL, broadband and baseband. For example,if these lines are provided, two lines can be regular phone lines andone can be an ISDN line. In such a situation, the customer would haveaccess to connect their device to a RJ-11 connector or an ISDNconnector. The remaining phone line could then be dedicated for use bythe vending device. Recently, there has been a proliferation ofdifferent types of connectors for high speed telecommunications.Suitable connectors can be determined by those skilled in the art.

The central control unit 106 is autonomous and controls the operation ofthe vending machine 100 completely. It typically does not seekpreapproval for the transaction to begin. It is possible to modify thisand require the central control unit 106 to contact a central computerand obtain payment approval before allowing a transaction to begin. Itis noted that in some instances, no bank authorization is required. Inthis case, upon successful connection to the vending machine, thevending machine calls a billing computer for payment authorization. Thebilling computer would approve or disapprove the transaction based oninformation stored in the billing computer. This obviates the need tocontact a bank for approval.

In FIG. 1, the vending machine 100 only vends power andtelecommunications access. In a modification of this embodiment, themachine can be designed to vend one or more additional utilities orservices such as natural gas or steam. This device would be used forvending utilities or services to buildings or vehicles. For this andother uses, the vending machine could contain multiple types of powerconnectors. For instance, one connector may provide low current andanother connector may provide higher current for such applications asbuilding maintenance tasks like vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, etc.The high current connector may be housed within the vending machine orit can be located remotely from the vending machine, and the unit wouldremotely turn the connector on and off. The vending machine's highercurrent connectors would be controlled by a swipe card or othermagnetic/electronic card in the event it is desirable for the buildingto charge for all power usage. The high current connectors can be housedwith the unit or left in the wall in the vicinity of the vending machineand controlled remotely. An additional application for these highcurrent connectors is to provide means for cleaning, security or otherbuilding personnel to indicate their presence at the unit at aparticular time. Then, the building management company can monitor theprogress of these personnel.

In another modification of the power and telecommunications vendingmachine, the power usage detection circuit 112 can be removed. For thisdevice, the user interface 110 includes a push-button, or similardevice, that allows the customer to terminate the transaction.

Other modifications of the power and telecommunications access vendingmachine eliminate one or both of the noise and surge protection circuits102 and 118 without effecting the function of the machine. It is alsopossible to have multiple noise and surge protection circuits 102 and118, one for each power source and one for each telecommunicationchannel. Those preferred embodiments with multiple power sources areprovided in markets where the customer may require differentvoltage/frequency operation such as 115 VAC @ 60 Hz, 220 VAC @ 50 Hz andothers such as 100 VAC @ 50 or 60 Hz.

When multiple power sources are provided, multiple power connectors 108are also provided. Multiple power connectors 108 can also be provided incertain markets where the customer may require different mechanicalforms for the same power such as the many European versions of the powerconnector. In this case, the vending machine would connect to a externalpower source, such as a European power source, and then utilize a powerconversion circuit to convert to 120 VAC, 60 Hz for travelers in need ofcompatible power. In addition, certain preferred embodiments have aninternal power source for use in markets where external power is notavailable.

Similarly, multiple telecommunications channels are provided in certainpreferred embodiments for markets where the customer may requiredifferent performance choices such as ISDN, cable and standard telephonelines. When multiple telecommunications channels are provided, multipletelecommunications channel access connectors 122 are also provided.Multiple telecommunication channel access connectors 122 are alsoprovided in certain preferred embodiments for markets where the customermay require different mechanical forms for the same telecommunicationschannel such as the many European equivalents of the RJ-11 connector. Inanother embodiment, the user would be able to select an ISP of theirchoice. The user could prearrange with the vending machine company foraccess to a particular ISP. The server would then call the ISP and makethe network connection with the ISP.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a simplified front view ofan operating panel of one implementation of the vending machine 100described in the preceding paragraphs. The customer sees an operatingpanel 101 with a user interface 110 comprising two lights referred to asREADY and AVAILABLE. The operating panel 101 includes a paymentprocessing unit 114 in the form of a credit card swipe reader; a powerconnector 108 in the form of a standard duplex, 115 VAC connector; and atelecommunications channel access connector 122 in the form of astandard RJ-11 telephone line connector.

When the customer first approaches the vending machine 100, the READYlight is on. The customer swipes their credit card through the creditcard reader 114 and plugs their equipment into the appropriateconnectors 108 and/or 122. If the central control unit 106 receivesvalid card information from the credit card reader 114, it 1) turns onpower to the duplex connector 108 via the switchable power circuit 104,2) turns on telecommunications channel access at the RJ-11 connector 122via the switchable telecommunications channel access circuit 120, 3)turns on the AVAILABLE light 110, and 4) and pulses the READY light 110slowly for the remainder of the transaction.

If the central control unit 106 does not receive valid data from thepayment processing unit 114, it blinks the READY light 110 quickly forseveral seconds without enabling power or telecommunications channelaccess this indicates that the customer should swipe the card again ortry another card.

When the customer is finished, they merely disconnect from theconnectors 108 and 122 and leave. The central control unit 106automatically senses this event, records the end of the transaction,turns off the AVAILABLE light 110 and returns the READY light 110 to beon continuously.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the user interface comprises ofthree lights that turn on and off in particular patterns to inform thecustomer as to how the transaction is progressing. In other preferredembodiments, these lights may be replaced or augmented by a videodisplay unit (VDU) which provides more detailed instruction to thecustomer on vending machine operation and detailed information on theprogress of the transaction including the accumulated charges. On theother hand, no VDU or display light is required, and the user interfacecan be present in the user's laptop. Alternatively, a sound basedinterface or card reject system can eliminate the need for a display.

In certain embodiments, the VDU could be combined with a keyboard orother push-buttons that would allow the customer to select the languagefor the display, the connectors to be activated and, optionally, when toterminate the transaction. In the later case, the customer could push abutton that would terminate the transaction and the connection, eventhough he had not disconnected from the connectors.

In still other preferred embodiments, the user interface includes aprinter or similar device to provide the customer with a receipt for thetransaction.

The central computer can also download new operating instructions, rateinformation and advertisements that can be displayed at the userinterface thereby removing the need for changing a sign posted next tothe device that contains this information.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a block diagram of apreferred embodiment of a power vending machine 200 for vending poweronly. This vending machine 200 is similar to the vending machine 100 ofFIG. 1 and FIG. 2, except that the switchable telecommunications channelaccess circuit and telecommunications channel access connector aredeleted. All other components of this vending machine 200 operate in thesame manner as described above. In large implementations of this vendingmachine 200, the power connector 108 may be a bus bar or powerdistribution panel for distributing large quantities of power. The feecharged in this transaction is again a function of the convenience ofthe vending machine 200 and the length of the transaction, not theamount of power consumed.

In this embodiment, the payment processing unit 114 can also acceptpayment in currency, coin or electronic form. The electronic formsinclude, but are not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, smart cardsand pre-paid cards. Certain preferred embodiments only supportelectronic forms of payment and still others only support currency/coinpayment. In still other embodiments, no payment mechanism is required,and software payments or billing based on authentication of the user isemployed.

As in FIG. 1, the central control unit 106 is autonomous and controlsthe operation of the vending machine 200 completely. It can also bemodified so that the central control unit 106 must contact a centralcomputer for approval before allowing the transaction to continue andreceive power.

In FIG. 3, the vending machine 200 only vends power. It can also bemodified so that the machine vends one or more additional utilities orservices such as natural gas or steam. This would allow for vendingutilities or services to buildings or vehicles. In a particularembodiment, high power connectors are made available to buildingmaintenance personnel, who operate the connector using an electronic ormagnetic card. This provides an additional benefit to the building byproviding means of tracking the location and work efficiency of buildingpersonnel.

The power usage detection circuit 112 can also be removed from thevending machine. In this modification, the user interface 110 includes apush-button which allows the customer to terminate the transaction.Indeed, no switchable power is necessary; the unit could simply remainin the “on” position continuously.

Like the first embodiment, the noise and surge protection circuit 102can be eliminated without affecting the function of the machine.

It is also possible to have multiple noise and surge protection circuits102, one for each power source. Multiple power sources are provided inmarkets where the customer may require different voltage/frequencyoperation such as 115 VAC @ 60 Hz and 220 VAC @ 50 Hz. When multiplepower sources are provided, multiple power connectors 108 are alsoprovided. Multiple power connectors 108 are also provided for marketswhere the customer may require different mechanical forms for the samepower such as the many European versions of the 220 VAC @ 50 Hzconnector. In addition, it is possible to provide an internal powersource for use in markets where external power is not available or in anincompatible format.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated therein a block diagram ofa preferred embodiment of a telecommunications vending machine 300 forvending telecommunications channel access. This embodiment eliminatesthe power vending components and is particularly useful for connectingcomputers and other high speed telecommunications equipment to highperformance telecommunications channels. All other components operate asdescribed above.

In this preferred embodiment, the payment processing unit 114 can acceptpayment in currency, coin or electronic form. The electronic formsinclude, but are not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards,pre-paid cards. Certain embodiments only support electronic forms ofpayment and still others only support currency/coin payment. Stillothers use software payments. In still another option, payment is notmade during the transaction, and the user is identified through sometype of authentication. These can include RF ID cards, hotel keys,software or anatomical characteristics such as fingerprint, voiceprintor retinal pattern identification.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the modem 116 is only available to and usedby the central control unit 106. In a modification of this embodiment,the modem 116 is also available to the customer. For this modification,an extra connector is present that allows the customer to connect theirserial, parallel or other I/O port to the modem 116. This embodiment istypically used to make high speed communications available withoutforcing the customer to invest in their own expensive or bulky externalmodem.

In a further embodiment, the telecommunications port is bidirectionaland can be use for both outbound and inbound calls (e.g. receiving afax).

If high bandwidth data lines are present in the vending machine and madeavailable to the user, some new types of applications become available.For example, a telephone style handset or other microphone/speakersystem would allow the user to place voice calls over a network via datalines. This so-called Internet phone offers the advantages of bypassingthe POTS and offering reduced long distance rates. With the addition ofa video camera either in the vending machine or the user's laptop, thevending machine can use data lines to provide the user with video phonecapability.

In one version of the device, the central control unit 106 is autonomousand controls the operation of the vending machine 300 completely. Inanother version, the central control unit 106 must contact a centralcomputer for approval before allowing a transaction to begin. In stillanother embodiment, one control unit could operate multiple vendingmachines. In fact, almost any combination of functional components ofthe vending machine could be moved to a location remote from themachine. This means a cluster of machines could be tied in a network toa server.

Like the other embodiments, it is also possible that the machine vendsone or more additional utilities or services such a natural gas orsteam. This modification is used for vending utilities or services tobuildings or vehicles. In these applications, a building worker such asa cleaning service would connect to high power connectors and beginservice by swiping an electronic/magnetic card through the vendingmachine.

It is also possible to modify the embodiment of FIG. 4 to provide powerat no charge for equipment that is connected to the machine.

Other possible modifications include elimination of the noise and surgeprotection circuit 118 providing multiple noise and surge protectioncircuits 118 and providing multiple telecommunications channel accessconnectors 122.

FIGS. 1 through 4 show the basic components of the vending machine. Apreferred embodiment for the structure of a vending machine 100 includesa work surface or other place to set up a portable computer and relateditems, optionally a place to sit and optionally a lockable cover toallow the customer to leave their equipment unattended.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of a standard telephone booth style structure 500for vending power and telecommunications access. In this embodiment, theoperating panel 501 is located on the side wall 503 of a vending unit502. Panel 501 contains electrical receptacles 508, video display unit510, telecommunications access connectors 522, and card swipe 514. Thisstructure 500, provides a working surface 506 and a seat 504 in eachunit. All other components of the vending machine are hidden within thephysical structure.

In this embodiment, no payphone or telephone is present. In otherembodiments, a telephone or payphone may be present for the customer'suse while the vending machine is in use. This would require that thetelecommunications channel used by the vending machine be separate fromthat of the payphone. Still another modification is to have the vendingmachine and the payphone share the same telecommunications channel.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of a kiosk shaped telephone booth style structure600 for vending power and telecommunications access. In this embodiment,the operating panel 601 is located on the side wall of a vending unit602. Panel 601 contains electrical receptacles 608, video display unit610, telecommunications access connectors 622 and card swipe 614. Thisembodiment provides a working surface 606 and an adjustable seat 604 ineach unit. All other components of the vending machine are hidden withinthe physical structure. In this embodiment, like FIG. 5, no payphone ortelephone is present. In other embodiments, a telephone or payphone maybe present for the customer's use while the vending machine is in use.This embodiment requires that the telecommunications channel used by thevending machine is separate from that of the payphone. It is alsopossible to have the vending machine and the payphone share the sametelecommunications channel.

In another preferred embodiment of the vending machine in a kiosk orstandard telephone booth type structure, a lockable door or lockingpull-down or pull-out cover is provided which covers the equipment onthe work surface 506/606 and the connections to the operating panel501/601. This cover mechanism allows the customer to leave theirequipment operating while they are otherwise occupied. In thismodification, the cover can be unlocked by a key that comes with thecover or unlocked by the same credit card that is paying for thetransaction.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of a storage locker 700 for vending power andtelecommunications access. In this embodiment the power connectors 708and the telecommunications channel access connectors 722 are located onthe back wall of an individual storage unit 702. The payment processingunit 714 and the user interface 110 are located at the door to the unitor can otherwise be external to the storage area. All other componentsare hidden within the physical structure. In this embodiment, the creditcard used to pay for the transaction is also used as the key to thestorage unit, while another embodiment uses a standard key lock. Otherembodiments of the storage locker delete the telecommunications channelaccess connectors and related circuits. The storage locker could beused, for example to enable the user to receive a facsimile or otherinbound data.

An additional modification contemplated for all embodiments is a directInternet connection that would allow the customer full, high speedInternet access without going through their ISP or on-line service andwithout the limitations of a dial-up connection. In this case, one ofthe telecommunication channels available at the vending machine isconnected to an Internet router, terminal server or similar function andcannot be used for other communication purposes. The customer'sconnection to this channel is via an ethernet or other high speed porton their computer using standard Internet browser software.

In another modification of the device, it is possible that the vendingmachine 100 is incorporated within the mechanical structure of atelephone or payphone. In this embodiment, the payment processing unit114 may be used to pay for the vending of power, telecommunicationschannel access and phone calls. The vending machine can use thetelephone line connected to the telephone as the telecommunicationschannel. In another embodiment the vending machine has at least onetelecommunications channel separate from that of the telephone. In theseembodiments, the telephone and the vending machine may share the paymentprocessing unit and, optionally, the central control unit and userinterface. Furthermore, these embodiments may function autonomously andauthorize the transactions themselves, or they may require approval froma central computer or central office, or a combination thereof.

When the telecommunications channel is part of the POTS network, thetelecommunications access circuit 116 is generally a modem with its ownintelligence and interface circuitry. Computer technology is currentlychanging to reduce the cost and complexity of the modem by moving theintelligence into the central control unit 106 and its program. In thefuture, the telecommunications access circuit may further evolve to thepoint where it is a built-in function within the central control unit106.

In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the power provided tothe customer is 115 VAC. Most of the preferred embodiments of the powerand telecommunications access vending machine 100, as depicted in FIG.1, provide at least one AC power connection and no DC power connection.However, there are some embodiments that provide at least one DC powerconnection without an AC power connection and still others with at leastone AC power connection.

All of the embodiments of the power vending machine 200, as depicted inFIG. 3, provide at least one AC power connection. Some of theseembodiments also provide at least one DC power connection.

Most of the preferred embodiments of the storage locker 700, as depictedin FIG. 7, provide at least one AC power connection and no DC powerconnection. However, there are some embodiments that provide at leastone DC power connection without an AC power connection and still otherswith at least one AC power connection.

In certain embodiments of the power and telecommunications accessvending machine 100 and the telecommunications vending machine 300, itis necessary for the central control unit 106 to monitor the customer'suse of the telecommunications channel to determine how much to chargefor the usage or to limit usage to a certain cost level. For example,this could be used when the customer is paying using software “e-money”located in their laptop. In these embodiments, the telecommunicationsaccess circuit includes circuitry that monitors the routing and addressrelated data at the beginning of a connection. For example, if thetelecommunications channel is a POTS line, the central control unit 106monitors the call to determine the area code or country code todetermine that the connection is allowed by the particular installationand, if not, to block the call by turning off the switchabletelecommunications channel access circuit. Alternatively, the customermay be charged more for a call to certain locations.

Referring now to FIG. 8, which provides the flowchart for the mainprogram that is executed by the central control unit 106, programexecution starts when the vending machine of FIG. 2 is initially turnedon. Alternatively, no switchable power is present and the powerconnector is always on as shown in FIG. 12. Upon power up, the program:

1. Initializes its internal registers and the telecommunications accesscircuit 116 so that circuit is capable of answering incoming calls.

2. Turns off each of the switchable circuits.

3. Performs internal diagnostics to determine vending machine status.

4. Turns on the Ready light (when present) and waits for a customer toswipe a payment card at the card reader.

When the program receives new card data, it performs a series ofvalidity checks to determine that the read operation was correct andthat the card is one that the vending machine is programmed to accept.If the new card data is not acceptable, the program blinks the Readylight in the fast pattern to indicate to the customer that the customershould swipe the card again or try a different card. If the new carddata is acceptable, the program starts the transaction by recording thetransaction start time and turning on the switchable power circuit (whenpresent), the switchable telecommunications channel access circuit (whenpresent) and the Available light (when present).

Throughout the transaction, if a visual display unit is present, theprogram blinks the Ready light in the slow pattern and monitors thepower usage and telecommunications channel usage. When the customer hasstopped using both power and the telecommunications channel for sixseconds, the program terminates the transaction by recording the stoptime and turning off the switchable power circuit (when present), theswitchable telecommunications channel access circuit (when present) andthe Available light (when present).

When the program has completed all its steps, its returns to a waitingmode for the next customer to swipe their card.

Referring now to FIG. 9, which illustrates a flowchart for the programelement that services periodic calls from a central computer, theprogram is activated by an interrupt generated by the modem when anincoming call is detected. The modem can only detect an incoming call ifthe telecommunications channel is not in use. This is not the case ifbi-directional data lines are present. In this case, a single line canbe used for outbound and inbound calls. The modem, by its nature,automatically answers the call and establishes a carrier with thecalling computer. The program terminates the connections as soon as itreceives two characters from the caller without exchanging anyinformation. If the two characters are not CO (Call Office) the programignores the call and waits for another incoming call. Otherwise, if atransaction is currently in progress, the program waits for thetransaction to be completed.

When the transaction ends or if no transaction is in progress, theprogram initiates a call to the home office computer using a phonenumber that is resident within the program. When the home officecomputer answers and the modems establish a link, the program uploadsits identification number, its transaction data and its status. Forsecurity, the transaction data is encoded and a checksum is appended tothe message. If any errors are indicated by the home office computer,the data is repeated. After the upload is completed, the home officecomputer downloads any new data or program changes that it has for thevending machine. If any errors are encountered, the information isrepeated.

When the download is complete, the program clears the transaction memoryand reports the successful completion of this task to the home officecomputer. Finally this program element terminates the call and waits forthe next incoming call.

Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates a kiosk with access to foursides, 800 represents a sign on the kiosk, and 802 depicts the vendingmachine. The kiosk of this embodiment can accommodate up to four vendingmachines. 804 refers to a shelf where the user can place their laptopcomputer. Numeral 806 refers to the base of the kiosk.

FIG. 11 shows another style of kiosk. This kiosk is designed forplacement against a wall and accommodates up to three users. 900represents a sign on the kiosk. 902 refers to the vending machine. Theusers place their laptop on shelf 904, and the unit is supported by abase 906.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing additional features of the invention.In this diagram, the power circuit may either be switchable or always inthe “on” position. Customers may initiate vending machine access usinguser authentication methods such as retinal pattern, finger print orvoice print identification. In a further embodiment, a video camera canprovide video phone capability. Either a microphone/speaker combinationor handset can provide Internet phone access.

It is to be understood that although the present invention has beendescribed with regard to preferred embodiments thereof, various otherembodiments and variants may occur to those skilled in the art, whichare within the scope and spirit of the invention, and such otherembodiments and variants are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vending machine for vending telecommunicationschannel access to a customer, said vending machine comprising: a paymentmechanism for receiving payment from the customer; a customer interfacefor indicating the status of said vending machine; an electronic circuitfor determining when the vending transaction is completed; atelecommunications channel access circuit adapted to be connected to atleast one external telecommunications channel for enabling access to theat least one external telecommunications channel at the beginning of avending transaction and disabling access at the end of the vendingtransaction; a telecommunications channel access connector connected tosaid telecommunications channel access circuit for enabling connectionto an external telecommunications device of the customer; and a controlunit having a storage device for storing payment information receivedfrom the customer and for controlling said electronic circuit and saidtelecommunications channel access circuit.
 2. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said payment mechanism is a cash paymentreceiving mechanism.
 3. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid payment mechanism is an electronic payment mechanism.
 4. A vendingmachine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said electronic payment mechanismcomprises at least one of a credit card, debit card, smart card, prepaidcard and RF ID card.
 5. A vending machine as claimed in claim 3, whereinsaid electronic payment mechanism comprises a device for reliablyauthenticating the customer.
 6. A vending machine as claimed in claim 5,wherein said device for reliably authenticating the customer comprises afingerprint recognition device.
 7. A vending machine as claimed in claim5, wherein said device for reliably authenticating the customercomprises a voice recognition device.
 8. A vending machine as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said device for reliably authenticating the customercomprises a retinal pattern recognition device.
 9. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said electronic payment mechanism comprisesa device for authorizing a billing transaction.
 10. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 9, wherein said device for authorizing the billingtransaction is a separate billing computer.
 11. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 9, wherein said device for authorizing the billingtransaction comprises a billing computer located within the vendingmachine.
 12. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidcustomer interface comprises at least one light on a surface of saidvending machine.
 13. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid customer interface comprises a video display unit on a surface ofsaid vending machine.
 14. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1,wherein said customer interface comprises an auditory signal generatedby said vending machine.
 15. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1,wherein said customer interface comprises a mechanism that interfaceswith software supplied by the customer.
 16. A vending machine as claimedin claim 1, wherein said customer interface comprises a card reader forapproving a card supplied by the customer.
 17. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said telecommunications channel accesscircuit is switchable.
 18. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1,wherein said telecommunications access channel connector comprises ahigh bandwidth channel connector.
 19. A vending machine as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said telecommunications access channel connectorcomprises a fiber optic line connector.
 20. A vending machine as claimedin claim 18, wherein said telecommunications access channel connectorcomprises a copper line connector.
 21. A vending machine as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said telecommunications channel access connectorcomprises an infrared connector.
 22. A vending machine as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said telecommunications access channel connectorcomprises a local telephone line connector.
 23. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 18, further comprising a modem disposed in said vendingmachine.
 24. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidtelecommunications access channel connector comprises a local telephoneline connector.
 25. A vending machine as claimed in claim 24, whereinsaid telecommunications channel access connector further comprises anRJ-11 connector.
 26. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid telecommunications access channel connector is adapted to beconnected to a dial-up telephone line.
 27. A vending machine as claimedin claim 1, wherein said telecommunications access channel connectorcomprises an RJ-11 connector.
 28. A vending machine as claimed in claim1, wherein said telecommunications channel access connector furthercomprises a fiber optic line connector.
 29. A vending machine as claimedin claim 1, wherein said telecommunications channel access connectorfurther comprises an infrared line connector.
 30. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a modem disposed in said vendingmachine.
 31. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidtelecommunications channel access circuit is adapted to be connected toa direct Internet connection via an Internet Service Provider selectedby the vending machine.
 32. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1,wherein said telecommunications channel access circuit is adapted to beconnected to a direct Internet connection via an Internet ServiceProvider selected by the customer.
 33. A vending machine as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising a microphone and a speaker disposed in saidvending machine and said microphone and said speaker are adapted totransmit and receive voice communications over the externaltelecommunications channel.
 34. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a video camera connected to said vending machine tosend video images over the external telecommunications channel.
 35. Avending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telecommunicationschannel access connector comprises a transceiver to connect wirelesslyto an external telecommunications device of the customer.
 36. A vendingmachine as claimed in claim 35, wherein said transceiver is an infraredtransceiver.
 37. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising an electrical generation device for supplying said vendingmachine with power when locally supplied electricity is not available.38. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unitis located remote from said vending machine.
 39. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 38, wherein said telecommunications channel accesscircuit is located remote from said vending machine.
 40. A vendingmachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit furthercomprises circuitry for controlling a plurality of vending machines. 41.A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vending machine isdisposed within a booth.
 42. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1,wherein the vending machine is disposed on a kiosk.
 43. A vendingmachine as claimed in claim 42, wherein a plurality of vending machinesare present on said kiosk so that multiple users can simultaneously useeach of said plurality of vending machines.
 44. A vending machine asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said vending machine is disposed within astorage locker.
 45. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid vending machine is disposed on a wall mounting device.
 46. Avending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telecommunicationschannel access circuit is wired to a building so that the externaltelecommunications channel can be located remotely from said vendingmachine to vend telecommunications to the building.
 47. A vendingmachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telecommunications channelaccess circuit comprises at least two different types of data lines. 48.A vending machine as claimed in claim 47, wherein said data linesinclude at least two of T1, ISDN, xDSL, broadband, baseband, ethernetand Appletalk™.
 49. A vending machine as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid payment mechanism comprises a mechanism that interfaces withsoftware resident on equipment of the customer.